Manchester United youngster Darron Gibson has put pen to paper and signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012.

Although the rising star did not have a lot of time to ply his trade in the league campaign last season, he shone brightly in the League Cup. In the few appearances that the Irish international made in the Premier League, the 21-year-old scored an eye catching long range strike during the last league game of the season against Hull City.

“Darron [Gibson] was one of the young players who emerged last season as a [Manchester] United first-team player”, Sir Alex Ferguson was quoted as saying on The Sun.

“His appearance ratio did not really reflect the high regard in which we hold him, as he has constantly worked hard to challenge for a first-team spot.”

The rising star was jubilant at signing a new contract with the Red Devils.

“I am very happy to commit my future to United,” said Gibson.

“Last season I enjoyed every opportunity and when I got my chance I wanted to prove what I could do.

The United youth product concluded by saying that he hopes to continue his superb run of form into the new season.